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THINGS 
MORE EXCELLENT 



By STEWARD. 



Who are these that fly as a cloud, 
And as the doves to their windows ? 
Surely the isles shall wait for me, 
And the ships of Tarshish first, 
To bring thy sons from far, 
Their silver and their gold with them. 
Unto the name of the LORD thy God, 
And the Holy One of Israel , 
Because He hath glorified thee. 

Isa., 60: 8-9. 



I. E. BAIRD, - MURFREESBORO, TENN, 
MDCCCCIIl. 



THE Lr^-;A^Y OF 






COPYRIGHTED, 1903, 

By I. E. BAIRD, - Murfreesboro, Tenn. 



THINGS MORE EXCEIvLENT. 



Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
Whose mind is stayed on Thee. Isa. 26: 3, 

I. 

As upon life's pathway walking- 
Gaining strength by varied way, 

Much it is that sins appearing 
Do me in my journey stay. 

Some of them are high, appalling ! 

Yea, they are so very strong 
That they gain us for adherents 

Who confess them to be wrong, 

But of character are lacking 

Their onsets to much resist. 
And by force of fixed purpose 

Others with us to enlist. 



This, another fact dismaying, 

Others oft are hard to find, 
For their wise, seductive leader 

Maketh them to seem most kind. 

Thus we Christians, oft elective. 
Follow, serve them day by day. 

As with words and acts enticing 
In and out with tact do they 

Come as loosened rocks of malice. 
Turning, cutting server's feet, 

'Sperced amongst the turves of friendship 
Which doth make all things more sweet. 

'Gain in home-booths they come trooping 
Till there is small time to "spare," 

Thus the ones of Christian training 
Are becoming much more rare : 

And amongst the frosts of mercy, 

Sent by God upon us here 
That we trust not in earth's riches. 

But to Him would draw more near ; 



Or, hot rays of chast'ning sunbeams, 

Silvered by our Father's love 
Placing groups of growing palm trees, 

Where peace dwelleth, love-winged dove 

And by springs of courage sparkling- 
Effervescing with hope's pow'r. 

Coursing down life's hillside rugged 
Cheering both to hut and tow'r; 



Yea, strength -giving hope and courage, 
Brothers, they, to faith and toil ; 

"Wisdom" leading with love's banner 
Traineth more and more from moil. 

And when we the Guide-Posts study. 
That we may know God's sure way. 

Much their bright wings flash about us- 
Causing us to go astray. 

When we see our grain fields ripening- 
Billowing like waves of sea. 

Or our stocks by interest growing, 
Or our cattle on the lea, 



Oft 'tis evils with beguilings 
Pass amongst our figures then, 

Less we quickly send a message 
To our God again, again. 

They, too, come athwart the breezes 
From our Father's sea and hill ; 

Which, when we with toil are wearied 
Should His love and strength distill. 

And when we in sleep are resting, 
That we may thus well prepare 

God to serve more on the morrow, 
Sin's suggestions come e'en there. 

Solemn is the true reflection 
All results we'll see some day, 

For sin never is a shadow 

Flitting lightly o'er our w^ay.- 

As I passed upon life's journey. 
Learning men as they are found , 

Saw I once a young man standing. 
Caring naught for things around. 



Much his brow showed he was brooding, 
And his eye, by trouble's hue, 

Proved as at life's forked -path halting, 
He knew not which to pursue. 

Came on there an older trav'ler 
Who oft looked for other's weal. 

As he saw the young man halting 
Felt compassion o'er him steal 

And kindly said , 
' ' Luther, why now so disturbed, 

What is it that troubleth thee? 
Wilt not thou thy mind disburden 

In sweet confidence to me? 

"Though we oft are much perplexed, 
How and when for God to work, 

'Tis not good for us to loiter, 
Letting vain repinings lurk. 

** For the world, a quicksand treach'rous, 
More and more will us submerge 

Till we have no pow'r for Jesus 
And of crime are past the verge. 



**Wliilst to God we should go oft'ner 
Than we do to earthly friends, 

Yet, anon, these counsels help us 

Which way 'tis our pathway trends. '* 

Like a flash his face then brightened 
That some one for him concerned, 

Coming quickly to his Pastor 

Showed that he for guidance yearned. 

Often, 'tis, there is this longing 
For the things of greatest worth, 

And we Christians by indiff'rence 
Cause in them a greater dearth. 

When we might by loving kindness 
Teach the things that satisfy. 

Gratefully, then, 'twas that Luther, 
To his Pastor made reply. 

''O, my friend, for long I've struggled 
So to walk the heavenly road. 

Following so close to Jesus 

That I'd miss His sharpened goad. 



10 



*'But the things of earth distressed me, 
Facts which were so very stern, 

I by them so much was puzzled 
Oft I knew not where to turn. 

*'I was much like one in darkness 
Having neither moon nor match, 

Or the man with hunger dying, 

Who doth bones from rubbish snatch. 

" Now, though I believe I am saved 
Through the Lord's redeeming blood ; 

And that Satan hath not power 
To engulf me in sin's flood ; 

''Yet I am not well contented. 

Just escaping from the foe ; 
I would by the Spirit's fulness 

In the Christian graces grow. 

' ' But with all my prayers and fastings- 
Searching for God's sure set plan. 

Stopped am I by many checkings 
Like the bird by net of man. 



11 



* *They to me are such a hind 'ranee 
I have wished I'd ne'er begun 

Walking God's more hedged-in pathway 
With the Spirit and the Son. 

** *Gain, when seeing others living 
Calmly 'mid the jars of life, 

Sweetly singing as they journey 
With a heart that's free from strife, 

' * Much their happiness I envy 
And them as examples rate ; 

But, alas, we make such failures 
When we do but imitate. 

** Cans' t thou not give me directions 
That are sure, once and for all , 

That I may be truly happy 
And no more in error fall?" 

Thus it is, the Spirit working 

Even in a changed heart ; 
Searcheth deep, then deeper searcheth 

Till our conscience oft doth smart. 



13 



As time passeth, stireth deeper, 
Showing differences between 

Our vile hearts and that of Jesus 
Till we cannot rest serene. 

Sometimes 'tis a loved sinning, 
Which we do not count as such, 

Maketh dim the Spirit's guidance, 
Causing us to stumble much. 

Missing thus, our Father's blessings. 
Many strivings end in naught , 

And we loose some elevations 

For which we have bravely fought. 

So now Luther stood there halting 
At the point where we decide. 

If we'll breast life's river flowing 
Or on Egypt's horses ride. 

Tenderly the Pastor answered. 
For his sympathy was true, 

And he longed to give such guidance 
That they neither would it rue. 



13 



** I would see thy faith well rooted, 
Like the oak with clinging vine, 

Which, when tested will not waver 

Though love's tendrils round thee twine. 

** 'Tis by faith peace is attained 

As when we at first believed, 
When our all upon God casting 

His forgiveness we received. 

*' So give Jesus all thy servings. 

All thy sorrows and thy joy. 
For the last when 'tis withholden 

Oft is used us to decoy. 

* ' Verily, as each returneth 

Give it unto Christ with will. 
He will take all nor be wearied 

And will more His rest instill. 

* 'And the joy of always keeping 

Nearer to thy dearest friend ; 
Not just sometimes at a trysting 

Then to go a difE'rent trend. 



14 



*' But 'tis hand in hand with Father, 
And when'er the way is long 

He will place His arms beneath thee, 
Filling thee with tender song. 

** And when 'tis from love we follow, 
Duty's pain doth disappear ; 

Yea, we grow more like our Master 
As we serve with holy fear. 

** From pure principle then serve Him 
In thy pleasure or thy work, 

Well as in thy purest worship, 
Nor let vain repinings lurk. 

* * As we're soldiers, well as bondmen- 
Not mere pilgrims through a land, 

We must be equipped for service. 
Heeding quickly each command. 

**So don all God's well-made armor 
That 'gainst evil thou mayst stand. 

For 'tis not with flesh we wrestle, 
With equipments made with hand; 



15 



** But 'tis with the prince of evil, 

Principalites most strong, 
Rulers in the world of darkness 

Coming often in a throng. 

* ' So thy loins with truth gird firmly- 

Aye, live purely for thy God ; 
More, appearances of evil 

Keep thou well beneath the rod. 

"Heart's breast-plate of right well wearing, 

Maketh thee to be more brave 
As thou dost thy Master follow, 

And, with Him, canst others save. 

*'Shoe thy feet with preparation 

Of the lyord's abiding peace ; 
Following more close to Jesus 

Maketh battles more to cease. 

*' Keep thy burnished shield adjusted. 

That thou quickly mayst it turn 
Thee protecting at all angles. 

Quenching all the darts that burn. 



16 



** With the helmet of salvation 

Keep thy brain- wheels free from clogs, 
That when man's creeds are proposed, 
Thou mayst not sink in their bogs. 

*' Wield thou well the sword two-edged- 
God's true message to His own, 

Well as to the unrepentant, 
That no man may die alone. 

'* Watch and pray with perseverance 
That temptations thou mayst shun, 

And that saints of all the nations 
In the Lrord may be made one." 

Then 'twas Luther walked off from him ; 
With his heart in humble prayer. 

Bowed him down in true repentance- 
God accepted any where ; 

Whether an awakened sinner, 

Or a prodigal's return, 
O'er them both the Lord is watching- 

For each one his heart doth yearn. 



X7 



lyUther made there true confession, 
I^aid aside his every weight ; 

Afterward tried each known duty- 
Happy then was his estate. 

As the days and months were passing 
Went he on at quickened pace. 

And his true and loving Pastor 
Tried to guide him by God's grace. 

For he knew that much 'tis needed 
In the life we live whilst here 

Man should learn the rest which Jesus 
Giveth those still drawing near. 

Luther now was so contented- 
Aye, he had such pure delight 

He saw not the hill of hardship, 
Though it plainly was in sight. 

Just beyond was difficulty, 

Flowing there both swift and wide, 
Which re-crosseth all our pathways ; 

But we Christians have a Guide, 



18 



Who doth work all things contending, 
Turning lights from God's own face, 

Till they work for our advancement, 
Helping us to grow in grace. 

Better *twas that these he saw not 
Till his faith more firm had grown, 

Lest he then had been discouraged, 
Thinking he was left alone. 

Often doth the Holy Spirit 

Blind us to the trials here ; 
Then when w^e've reached higher grading 

Showeth us there's naught to fear. 



19 



II. 

Though young Christian in God's fulness 
Surely grew as time went by, 

Yet against his each advancement 
Satan hard his arts would ply. 

Luther's wont to thwart these temptings, 
And to better learn God's will, 

Frequently would pray the Spirit 
With the Word his mind instill. 

Oft would render adoration 

For the flashes of His light, 
Thus revealing to his servants 

Something of infinite might. 

Giving thanks with heartfelt singing 
For our Savior's boundless love ; 

And that He, as Mediator, 
Is upon the throne above. 



20 



In this ecstasy of worship 
Luther went to see his friend, 

And whilst there, in truest friendship 
Heard this prayer to God ascend. 

** Father, Lord, temptations gather, 
And my heart is much afraid 

Lest the foe, by wiles assuming. 
On me now should make a raid. 

** Yea, my fiercest sin besetting- 

This of character the test. 
Which a while hath had abating 

Now doth come on with the rest, 

*' Keep my heart, O, Lord Almighty, 
Only Thou its strength dost know, 

Only Thou canst give me succor 
As I wrestle with the foe. 

** Louder ! yet, more loud they thunder ! 

Yea, repeated are the shocks 
As if they would force an entrance. 

Though my heart hath double locks- 



21 



** One, my will which I am keeping 
More resigned in Thy hand ; 

Other, I*d my heart keep alway 
By Thy promises well manned- 

*'Yet, I've naught to keep me walking 
In the narrow pathway strait, 

Lest Thou in Thy tender mercy 
Dost both with and for me wait. 

** Why, my Father, am I restless. 
Why this quiv'ring in my breast? 

Show to me what are Thy wishes, 
Help me heed Thy least behest. 

'*Help me wait till I am certain, 
And no more make useless haste ; 

When in least from Thee I waver. 
Time and talents much I waste. 

" I'd Thee praise for firmly dealing 
As Thou dost me well prepare 

For which Thou hast for me planned 
By a loving Father's care. 



*» All my sins, O God, forgive me, 
Cleanse me from them day by day. 

Keep me from surrounding evil, 
I^ead me in the lasting way. 

** And I'd plead, O Holy Spirit, 

For Thy church that's straying now ; 

Draw her back, O Lord Almighty, 
Till she will more humbly bow. 

** Though she still hath many virtues, 
Yet she drifteth more from Thee ; 

Whilst so many e'en her leaders 
Think from sin she groweth f ree- 

»'0, the Bride must be made purer 
For her Husband's sure return ! 

Aye, if He should come this midnight 
Much her cheeks with shame would burn I 

'* Let Thy blessings rest upon her 
Showing sins from week to week, 

May she turn more to the Scripture, 
Only there for guidance seek. 



* * Grant me souls, O God, for wages, 
'Tis the hire for which I crave ; 

Grant to me the hidden power 
That the many I may save.- 

** Savior, though Thou art Creator, 
Ruling worlds on worlds at will. 

Yet it showeth me more power 

That my heart Thou thus canst still." 

As he onward went, and upward, 
With restored soul-filled peace, 

Luther said in truest friendship- 
Not that taken on a lease : 

** I wist not the prince of evil 
Could thee in the least decoy , 

But I deemed that all thy being 
FiUed wast with abiding joy. 

*^ Which, as wells of water springing 

Up within the city's wall, 
'Nabled thee at each onsetting 

All thy foes to well enthrall." 



24 



Thus the Pastor then rejoined : 
** My dear Lord is all around me ; 

With His providential fire 
Much my works in past consumed, 

Seemed almost Hwas done in ire. 

*^ But withal He's ne'er impatient, 

Nor in anger doth He chide; 
But another task He giveth, 

Nor His promptings hath denied. 

"Though I well the each fulfillment 

Of His promises can claim. 
And His healthful balm e'er flowing 

Healeth souls though e'er so maim. 

" Yet I sometimes have heart-sickness, 

Taking riches to the poor, 
For men by their sinful gettings 

Souls in jeopardy allure. 

*' Oft I wonder if I'm heeding 
Where the lyord to me doth call , 

Or if I on lines am working 

Which doth much the church enthrall. ' * 

25 



Replying Luther said : 
** Thou art weary from much working, 

And dost greatly need to rest, 
So thou needst not be discouraged, 

It is but temptation's pest. 

** Perad venture to Mount Horeb 
Hath the Lord now called thee, 

As He did once for Elijah 

That he might more faithful be. 

** Wind and fire and earth then quaking. 
Scarcely freed him from his fear; 

Love's sweet voice in gentle chidings 
Made his duty seem most clear. 

* *Afterward to him *twas granted 

God to serve in th' highest sphere 
That to mortal can be given 
Till in glory we appear. 

* * Seest thou thine own true teaching 

Which to me thou did' st impart? 
Well our Father kept it by me, 
Now to strengthen some thy heart. 



* * As our God shall give me wisdom 

More and more His will to see, 
When thou shalt be called to heaven 
Still our works shall follow thee.'* 

* * Good , my Son, is this reminder ; 

Truer, too, than thou dost know, 
For some times I have a shrinking 
From where God would have me go. 

**And, anon, I have no knowledge 

Of the step that doth await- 
Through the wall, my way traversing, 
E'en I see no traced gate. 

*' Sometimes I before it tarry. 
Whilst for courage I make plea. 

Or I find 'twas but mirages 

Which I thought were stopping me. 

** So to wait now, I am learning 
When God's slightest check I feel. 

There to see if I must wrestle. 
Turn around or humbler kneel.- 



27 



* » ^Gain, the Lord hath given glimpses 
Of some tasks that* re set for me, 

And rewards which would on follow 
If from evil I would flee. 

**Then to ballast me more truly, 
Bade me seige lay to my heart ; 

For this citadel of power 
Must surrender every part. 

* • Strong, high walls and gates well barred, 

Oft I had to batter down, 
E'er prepared I was to enter 

Weaker walls of lesser town. 

** As my sins, by grace, then seeing 
I would think, when I have these 

Held in check and much down trodden, 
I will then have rest and ease. 

*' Still I'd pray the Holy Spirit 
Look and see if there were ought 

Which would in our work then hinder- 
Sins which I had not well fought, 



* * Hoping all was well submitted ; 

But HeM show a sin to be 
Whilst in love He'd say through Scripture 
Give thou this one up for Me. 

** Each time when I gain a victory, 
Afterward He'd throw more light 

Deeper in my heart's recesses, 
Showing spots as black as night. 

**Oft it seemed to me a cavern 
With dim gal'ries everywhere, 

Doors each side so firmly closed, 
I, anon , thought none was there. 

* * Now, I often pray for progress 

And He ope's for me a door, 
Bidding me to fight and conquor 
Even by mine own heart's gore. 

**For there's more than I can reckon, 
More than now my frame can bear ; 

By degrees I'll grip them firmly 
If I will abide in prayer. 



29 



** Only thus we grow like Jesus, 
He our Father's first born child 

Who had character of metal, 

Well as traits both meek and mild. 

** All His life He fought hard battles, 

Yea, until His very death. 
And He only gained the vict'ry 

With His last drawn, feeble breath. 

** More, though we at death are winners, 
Christ must needs come from the grave, 

And when He, His throne resumed 
He triumphantly could save.'* 



30 



III. 

Worker's hearts so much holpen 

By a sympathetic word, 
And by interchange of studies 

Oft to deeper valor stirred. 

Often, yes, we plead for^comrades, 
Yea, for them most auxious are; 

And, anon, are much surprised 
At the answer looked not for. 

Oft we ask but faith then falters- 

Unbelief doth make us hide, 
This essential act forgetting 

We with Christ must well abide ; 

Till all things work tongue and grooving. 
Which doth try the hearts of men, 

Thus for answers we must tarry 
Till we will abide again. 



3X 



Doubtless thus these friends were mated, 

And perhaps were not aware- 
Friendship bands are best cemented 
By the interchange of prayer. 

Though so many years between them, 
Yet they bridged them o'er with love. 

Rather, built the gulf up solid 
With a hedged-in road above. 

And as they kept toiling upward, 

Happy in their sure estate, 
Much they'd help each other forward. 

Nor did either have to wait. 

But as paths are often crossing, 
Some times going side by side, 

'Gain mere stepping stones of promise- 
In this life none ever ride. 

They would hold the sacred converse. 
Humbly speak of battles fought ; 

And when 'twas that they were straying 
How their Savior had them sought. 



32 



How, in love, He'd drawn them nearer, 
More as Brother than as King, 

And continued drawing closer 
Till they could His praises sing. 

As they once were pressing forward, 
Speaking on a kindred theme, 

Luther said with deepest feeling. 
Moved thefreto by love supreme. 

" Father I've a deep'ning hunger 
For the souls by sin depraved. 

Would I had God-given power 
To arouse them to be saved. 

*' And, oft times, I much am troubled- 
Grieving for the Gentile church, 

Fearing we, by worldlings getting. 
Much have placed her in a lurch." 

''Son, fret not thy soul to sinning. 

Whatsoever may betide, 
All things whatsoe'er combined, 

Ne'er God's power can o'er ride. 



33 



** Church He needeth not, nor nation, 
That His word He may fulfill. 

If they either have full power 
She must well perform His will. 

Yes, I surely fear like Shiloh, 
Growing is our church to-day ; 

'Less she'll tread God's way more firmly 
He will take her light away. 

" Step thou in the breach now widening, 
Plead with her, help her return! 

E'er she'll cross His righteous limit. 
E'er, for aye, His anger burn! 

"Yea, seek thou a def'nite calling 
And no more at random serve, 

Wheresoe'er thy Master sendeth 
From hard duties do not swerve. 

" Ways of serving there are many 

Here our Lord to glorify, 
And if thou wilt follow fully 

He thy needs will well supply. 

34 



" In the city slums so crowded 

Where they strive for daily bread- 
Toiling there just for a pittance, 
There is naught for thee to dread. 

" They are longing-but not hoping, 
They are waiting-but for what! 

Aye, their mis' ry ever beck'neth. 
Come and mitigate our lot. 

** And thou, too, canst share thy service 

With the ones of better class, 
Who, by fortune's sad reverses, 

*Twixt life's mill-stones oft must pass. 

**Thou canst meet these with the wealthy, 
That each other's burdens they 

In their arms of faith may carry. 
As they for each other stay.- 

**In the mountains old and stately 
Where the sparkling rivers rise. 

Where the air is pure and bracing. 
Seeming coming from the skies; 



36 



" Where the luscious fruits are gathered 
And the bird is on the wing, 

Aye, where all the growths of nature 
God's true praises sweetly sing; 

** But where man with many hardships 

Doth a scanty living eke. 
Thus are scarce enough forehanded 

For another home to seek, 

" Who have sterling worths for training, 
And but only need a chance 

Till they will for church and nation 
Much prosperity enhance; 

* * Many are the souls immortal 

Serving God in Christian strength. 

And to Him for workers praying 
That the Lord may rule at length.- 

** On the ranches wide and rolling, 
Where the 'cow-boy' hies away 

In their yearly business * round-ups,' 
Or at camp more closely stay, 



36 



*' They have few to oft remind them 
That God's eye is every where, 

Aud if they would be 'successful' 

They must spend much time in prayer. 

*' To the mining camps so rugged 
Is the Lord now beck'ning thee? 

They are rich in souls most precious 
That from sin Christ can set free. 

" This we learn from earthy miners, 
Christians well must dig, mid all, 

But our Father in His wisdom 
Only letteth good ores fall 

" In the furnace where He's smelting 
Bullion for His mint one day; 

Glorious is the sure time coming 
When all dross shall pass away, 

*' And we each shall bear His image 
Stamped within His heavenly mint! 

Being then of purest coinage 
We will serve without a stint. - 



37 



" There is work amongst the sailors 

On the land as well as sea, 
For their hearts are sorely tempted 

When from duty they are free. 

** Yea, the gate-ways to the nations, 

By unrighteous atmosphere- 
More than leaf by briney breezes 
Maketh moral life to sear. 

" But the ones who do prove faithful, 

As they pass on to and fro. 
Help to prove the Spirit's power 

O'er our persevering foe. 

**0, that more before time passes. 
Would to them a welcome give 

In a Christian 'Home' or 'Bethel ' 
Helping them for God to live.- 

"And there is Christ's last commission; 

Dear it must be to His heart, 
For if we bring not the heathen 

He will only have a part 



38 



* *0f His price for sacrifices 

Which eternally He made, 
When His faith saw our condition 
And our ransom fully weighed. 

"Shall we not, this way accepting, 

Give the gospel to all lands. 
Wooing them by Christian graces 

Till they wear Christ's love-knit bands? 

"But the one most special serving- 
Dearer than all else to me 

As I try to preach the gospel. 
Is to see the Hebrews free. 

** *Tis an old, an honored people 
And e'ex long will come the days 

When the hills and dales of Canaan 
Will reverberate with praise 

* *Unto Christ as Priest and Prophet, 

And their daily sacrifice, 
Whilst from off* their true heart's altar 
Fragrant incense will arise." 



*'But I have a shrinking, Father, 
From the working on this line; 

If this church should come to Jesus 
What would happen then to mine? 

**It doth seem to me the prophets 
Tell of times, by them foreseen, 

When again will church extensions 
More than unto Hebrews lean. 

"Whilst I may, Vd keep all workings 
Well within the Gentile kirk, 

But I'd gladly have the Hebrews 
Join us in our Christian work." 

**Souls, my Son, are in the balance 
Weighing for their weal or woe ; 

Wilt thou for the love of Gentiles 
Put them in eternal throe? 

**Wilt thou not for love of Jesus 
Hasten on this longed for day, 

By God's grace, as thou art able, 
Cast the hindering blocks away? 



*'With thy God thou canst not wrestle 
Nor His Word canst set aside. 

Sue thou humbly for His pardon 
For thy sinful churchly pride." 

**Father, there's another serving 

That is nearer to my heart, 
Why should I from it have parting 

And with Hebrews bear a part?*' 

*'Thou need'st not quit aught of working 
That thy Master showeth thee, 

But 'twill help in other servings 
If thou'dst friend to Hebrews be." 

Patriarch with face then beaming, 

Aye, whole attitude intense 
As if two horizons having- 

This the saint's sextuple sense. 

Saw beyond his earthly vision- 
Viewed things in a diff'rent sphere. 

And by them was so transported 
That his home seemed very near ; 



41 



Yes, so near that he might touch it 
If heM but put forth his hand; 

So, by faith, he said thus musing 
Gazing on that happy land, 

**When my tasks have all been finished. 
When my battles all are fought. 

Then will I go home to heaven- 

That blest land for which I've sought. 

**Yea, in arms of mighty angels, 

Far from things of earth, though dear, 

Will my soul go to her Maker ; 
Where she'll never have a fear. 

''There she'll give her pent up service 

To the one who is her Lord, 
For he is her Savior, Brother, 

Who doth keep in safest ward. 

** Though to earth return my body 
And this scattered far by lust. 

Yet the Lord in love will watch it 
And will bring it from the dust. 



42 



**S6ul and body *gain united 
Then forever more shall dwell , 

In that bright celestial country 
From which sinful angels fell. 

'*But now stations there are fixed, 

Even angels are secure ; 
Ne'er again will foe have pow*r 

Saint or angel to allure. 

** Sweet have been anticipations, 

Sweeter far to enter in 
Where the golden streets are burnished- 

Tarnished not with any sin. 

''Where there never cometh darkness, 

Moon or sun to set or rise 
But the Lamb of God with glory 

Antitypes the earthly skies. 

*' Nor is there the fluctuating 

Of the restless sea of life, 
Where the masses for existence 

Wage an ever death-grip strife. 



43 



* But to Him who overcometh, 
There shall live without a care, 

In that land of love and plenty ; 
Yea, none e'er grow aged there. 

*^And there'll be there no injustice. 
But each giveth each his due 

Well pressed down in fullest measure, 
Nor will any for it sue. 

"O, 'tis one eternal Sabbath, 
And our meeting there is sweet 

In that heavenly sanctuary 
Bowing at our Savior's feet. 

'*And 'tis pure in every aspect. 

Typical of which we here 
Have the sacred meeting houses 

Where before Him we appear. 

**But we there need not a temple, 
For the Lord Himself s a shrine ; 

Coextensive 'tis with heaven. 
Part that worship will be mine. 



44 



"As we tell how he redeemed us 
From our sin and even stain ; 

Finished thus our sure salvation 
Which no more shall seem to wain. 

'* Glorious is the thought transcendent 
I the Godhead e'en shall see, 

And will understand some, doubtless, 
What hath here so puzzled me, 

"Sitting, and enthroned the highest 
There triumphant o'er each foe, 

Where He holdeth crowns unfading 
And in love doth them bestow. 

**Yea, hath held them safely always 
Till His time He did complete, 

Till we came and made our circuit 
And would lay them at His feet. 

*'Unto Him be all the glory 

Saints and angels e'er can raise, 

For He is the One Eternal 

Prince and King of all the days." 



45 



IV 



Oft our influence unexpected, 

Sometimes even when we thought 

To ourselves were all our actija^.. 
And beyond us all was naught- 

E*en when of it we're not thinking, 
Crops out in our neighbors nigh, 

Startling us like thunder crashing 
From an almost cloudless sky. 

Or it causeth bright production, 
As the spring time sun and rain 

Doth endow the earth with promise- 
Cheering hearts like sweet refrain. 

So the influence of this Pastor 
O'er the one beneath his care ; 

Giving him the true instruction 
Kept him safe from many a snare : 



46 



Helped him live so near to Jesus 

That he had no love for sin, 
But longed more to bear God's message 

Unto foe and nearest kin. 

O this influence of a pastor 1 

Who of it can calculate ! 
Bringing lost ones into safety, 

Bering ones can reinstate. 

This the grandest of all callings, 
This the highest and the best ; 

Though it hath the many labors 
Yet, can have the purest rest. 

And how dear are older pastors ! 

Yea, what tender love have they ! 
With the church they show such patience, 

O, so much for her they pray ! 

What true guides — how wise in council 
For young men and to old age. 

Humbly showing where the Master 
Would have them their powers engage. 



47 



Blessed is tHe church which hath one- 
Hath an aged pastor true ; 

Who, their joys and sorrows sharing 
Traineth all God's will to do. 

Dear old stalwart men gray -headed, 

Or bowed down with weights they bore ! 

May they have love's true attention ! 
Grant, O Lord, there may be morel 

In a bright and loved country. 
Though a far and heathen shore, 

There to God and to his Pastor 
Luther's sowing fruitage bore. 

(Mind and heart he once determined, 
Thinking not of person' 1 ease, 

Thinking not of past endeavors 
Only so his God to please, 

Then it was he loved the heathen 
Who with us are on a par 

In our Father's love and mercy- 
Ancestry nor time doth mar.) 



48 



He found souls whom Clirist is loving, 

Bodies whicli he died to save 
There in deepest sin were living, 

Deeper, darker than the grave.- 

Do we Christians live more purely 
As compared with heathen lands, 

Who, the Lord profess to follow 
Yet keep not his known commands ?- 

Then he wrought for God and heathen. 
Wrought in health of body prime, 

Wrought till strength was 'most exhausted- 
Wasted not his Father's time. 

O, the hardships which these suffer, 

Gladly bear for Jesus' sake ! 
We at home, we slothful Christians, 

Should these for example take. 

If we cannot go on Missions 

We can give until we feel, 
God will bless us in the effort. 

Then before Him we can kneel 



There to pray His richest blessings 

On the ones now far away, 
And when these, by mail, shall know it 

God will praise for earthly stay. 

Yea, e'en here we can save heathen. 
For the Spirit's every where. 

And the instant we are praying 
Our request can answer there.- 

Gracious is our God, and lovino-. 
Bearing long with sinners here. 

But there is a sure time coming 
When as Judge will He appear. 

And if Christ doth not stand with them, 
Showing for them His death wound. 

Where, O where, will be their sending 
When God's judgments shall resound ! 

Then will they cry rocks and mountains 
Fall on us and hide our woe ! 

Piercing their unlocked for anguish 
As they into darkness go. 



50 



Wilt thou not give them the gospel 
That thou thinkest set thee free? 

If thou dost not — at the judgment 
What will Jesus say to thee? 

Luther, soon among the heathen 
Found a great narcotic curse, 

Sold there by his country's warrant ! 
Filling, so called, Christian's purse. 

O, his soul did bow in anguish 

When he felt this curse was there ; 

Knew that it was not sufficient 
Fighting only with His prayer. 

But, by faith, be knew his Father 
Heedeth when His children cry. 

If they act as they petition 

Whilst to Him they draw more nigh. 

So he pleaded for his people 

That they might rise high above 

These deep sins which white men taught them- 
Rise and understand God's love. 



51 



Understand the love which Jesus 

Beareth unto sinners here, 
E^er so much they are polluted 

Yet to Him they are most dear. 

Pleaded God would stop the making, 
Making of th' accursed stuff; 

Which doth prey on soul and body. 
Never saying His enough. 

It is here as well as yonder, 

Though, perchance, some see it not. 
And they who are 'neath its swaying 

Have an awful, awful lot- 
Father, stir thy sluggish children ! 

We who are afraid to fight 
Lest the foe should gain the battle, 

Leaving us in sadder plight. 

O, that Chritians would not limit 
God incarnate's spirit work ! 

O, that we would rid our land of 
This, from which so many shirk ! 



For 'tis hard to meet temptations, 

Meet and trample under feet 
Sins we form or do inherit, 

Coming oft from friends we meet. 

I^uther, though he oft was grieving 
For both home and foreign lands, 

Yet he was not oft discouraged. 

But sought more the Lord's commands. 

There he grew in Christian graces, 

Clearer did his sins he see ; 
Clearer saw in God's Word holy 

Promises both rich and free. 

Each strife which he waged with Satan- 
Conquering through the Saviour's blood, 

Then the Spirit true would lift him 
More above life's troublous flood. 

There he told the love of Jesus 

As he used his healing art, 
And his Master showed His presence 

As He changed a patient's heart. - 



53 



O, the joy for us in heaven, 
There before our Saviour's face, 

Seeing souls which we awakened 
Waiting us in that bright place ! 

Hear our Savior's Come thou blessed 
To this home prepared for thee, 

For in bringing these to glory 
Thou hast ministered to Me.- 

God is good to all His children. 
Giving more than we will ask ; 

lyUther took one special service, 
^ut God added to his task. 

Wide He used the reputation 
IvUther gave Him long ago ; 

Used it freely for His glory 
As He sent him to and fro. 

From his home there came the message 
Needed there was his advice 

Much to check the fiend intemp' ranee, 
Practiced still at such a price. 



54 



Yes, he had just double blessing 
That he had when home he left- 

When we give to God our choosing, 
Ne'er of works are we bereft. 



LofC. 



55 



Many ranges in life's mountains, 
Many spurs and peaks are there ; 

And life's clouds so much are passing 
That our days are not all fair. 

Some days bright and others hazy 

Gives variety to all ; 
And the dark but makes a setting 

For the ones we fairer call.- 

When we first begin this climbing, 
Eyes and muscles then untrained, 

Much we falter-much we stumble 
And by falling oft are pained. 

Some times longing for the low-lands 
Though we know malaria's there. 

Thus, 'tis only by God's holding 
That to glory we are heir. 



Frequently our powers using 

Strengthened! them from day to day, 

And by climbing on yet higher 
Beauteous scenes ope' on our way, 

Cheering us to still go onward, 

Lay aside the things of clay, 
Watching for the coils of Satan 

Hid e'en there to lead astray. 

Sluggish ones down at the bottom, 
Or but half way up the slant, 

Scarcely have more than a pittance 
Of the Lord's abundant grant. 

But the ones who're persevering 
Well can others gather round, 

And can lead them to rich blessings 
In our Father's vantage ground. 

As he still life's mountain climbing, 
Which so much his strength had tried, 

Luther grew there much more stalwart 
High upon its rugged side. 



67 



Now, lie wielded well his armor, 
Serious thougli bright his face, 

Then, heseemed to be musing 

Whilst he e'er kept taut his pace. 

Chanced he once to meet a Rabbi 
Zealous for the Lord most high ; 

Longing much for his redemption 
Luther said, then drawing nigh, 

' 'O, thou man of earth the wonder ! 

Thou full-blood of Jacob's seed ! 
Grow not now with me impatient. 

Hear me as in love I plead ! 

"Stirred am I, my true heart aching, 

As I see the Hebrew kneel. 
For the land to Abram promised 

To the Lord of Host appeal. 

' 'Why doth He thus keep you captive? 

He of old didst wonders do. 
Why hath God, the Lord-Jehovah, 

Changed His dealings thus with you? 



*'He doth naught without a reason 
With the nation or the man; 

In the past he kept not silent 

But showed chosen ones His plan. 

' ' Now, for many, many centuries, 
Not since days of Malachi, 

Hath He by a prophet spoken 
If the latest we deny. 

^'Is Messiah never coming? 

Will ye ne'er more have your home? 
Will ye never have a welcome 

As throughout the world ye roam ? 

*' 'Tis with deep and loving longing 
That I probe this long time sore; 

O, thou Israelitish Rabbi 

Canst thou tell me nothing more ! 

"Must ye always be held captive. 
You whom God set far apart ? 

Will he ne'er for you show favor 
With a Father's loving heart ? " 



59 



•*0 thou much deluded Gentile ! 

When will ye your folly see 
That the one whom ye call Master 

Our Messiah can never be?" 

"We for centuries have worshiped 
Chrisjt, the LORD, the great I AM 

Through the faith He laid in Adam - 
Broader laid in Abraham. 

**And yet clearer unto Moses, 
When his life commission gave. 

When He sent him unto Israel 

That from bondage He might save. * ' 

**Now, that cannot be, O Gentile ! 

For the time is near at hand 
When again the sons of Jacob 

Shall possess their native land. 

**And ere long will come Messiah 
Taking up His earthly reign ; 

As He'll come a King eternal 

Ne'er our kingdom 'gain shall wane. 



"Then, moreover will ye Gentiles 
Unto Him your trophies bring, 

Of your wealth and erudtion, 
Whilst ye will His praises sing. 

**And we'll give to you a portion 

In the which soever tribe 
It shall please you them to settle ; 

Nor your actions circumscribe . 

** O, 'twill be a glorious coming! 

And for Him we'll well prepare 
Following the Lord's direction 

With an ever zealous care. 

* * O, that we the faith possessed 

Even now to enter in 
To the land of our possessions, 

And ere long this work begin ! " 

** Yes, your land ye shall inherit 
For God's promises come true ; 

And when He shall give commandment 
Nothing then can hinder you. 



61 



*' That we have you much abused 
I have oft confessed with shame, 

Whilst to God I prayed most humbly 
He would cleanse us from the blame. 

**Not alone 'gainst you we're sinning, 
By our vile, un-Christ like way, 

But against our Lord's appearing 
If on Gentiles He doth stay. 

"These events the same are, Rabbi, 
And perchance we'll both be there 

Where for Christ and for Messiah, 
We together will prepare. 

''Aye, when I am some discouraged 
Then I cry Why is this fear, 

When at any passing moment 
David's Son may here appear, 

''And translate me into Canaan 
That grim death I may not see ! 

But with saints the quick and risen 
I eternally shall be ! 



62 



**This doth lift faith to quintessence ! 

'Tis to courage deepest stay ! 
And to love an undercurrent, 

Type of our abiding day 

*' Where I'll bask in His dear presence 
And shall see Him as He is ! 

O, that He in love infinite 

Should acknowledge me as His ! 

"Yea, I'll live with saints of ages, 
Who my Saviour here did own, 

Such as Job and Zechariah 

Who have faith so bravely shown. 

*In the presence of such worthies 
Seemeth me that I will stand 

Whilst they sit in places higher 
Nearer to the I^ORD'S right hand. 

''These e'en now await in glory 
Till our serving here is through, 

When all souls their way not having 
Will to God's will bow in lieu." 



63 



**Can this be ! O, art thou certain ! 

Are these Two the One and Same ! 
Aye, will all the true and faithful 

Worship in Jehovah's name ! 

**Doth Christ tally to the Prophets, 
Filling well what they demand? 

Will He have an earthly kingdom 
In our own Messiah's land?" 

** Scripture just compare with Scripture, 
That that's former with the last- 

They dove-tail into each other. 
And remember all's not past, 

**But there is a Second Coming ; 

We are watching all the time. 
And ye, 'gain, are much convinced 

That all things are nearing prime. ' ' 

"O some One is surely coming ! 

Yea, the time doth draw apace 1 
Even now to those who're watching 

His fore runners we can trace 



64 



' * Holy God, help me to grasp it 
That these Two the same will be ! 

And that in the blessed God-head 
There are Sacred Persons Three ! » ' 



THE END. 



62 



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